CPWI Hymnal ‎#714

714. In this our beauteous island

1 In this our beauteous island*
God smiles his sweetest smile;
from ferny dell and covert
wild flowers our eyes beguile;
among the leafy branches
the ripened mangoes sway,
and green pimento berries
make fragrant God's bright day.

Refrain:
Praise him, ye bright people,
with harvest hymn of joy;
O give to God a hymn of praise,
and love without alloy.

2 The creamy breadfruit blossoms
point upward to the sky,
to tell that God's rich blessings
fall on us from on high.
The canefields wave in greeting,
clad in their verdant dress;
and citrus fruits swing slowly
in golden loveliness. [Refrain]

3 We thank thee for the sunlight
on each day newly born,
that blends with rain in blessing
the tender ears of corn:
that ripens into beauty
fair fruits of every kind –
bananas, pears, star-apples,
and cherries purple-lined. [Refrain]

4 Young coconuts encircle
the warm hearts of the trees,
beneath the green boughs hiding,
and rustle in the breeze.
Nature her many voices,
each day with joy uplifts!
Shall we not thank our Father
for all his wondrous gifts. [Refrain]

*Alternative first line:
In this our bounteous country

Text Information

• First Line: In this our beauteous island
• Author: Eva Nicholas, c1877-before 1956
• Refrain First Line: Praise him, ye bright people
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D with Refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: Sacraments and Other Occasions: Harvest
• Notes: A higher setting of WIR PFLÜGEN IS FOUND AT 725

Tune Information

• Name: WIR PFLÜGEN
• Composer: Johann Abraham Peter Schulz, 1747-1800
• Arranger: Anonymous
• Meter: 7.6.7.6 D with Refrain
• Key: A♭ Major